The Ranty Highwayman: #BeyondTheBicycle: Mobility Scooters

SATURDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2017

There is a stupid piece of legislation which means that people using mobility scooters are banned from using cycle tracks.

The official guidance from the Department for Transport can be read here, but essentially, the rules govern two types of “invalid carriage” (which is a pretty outdated and frankly offensive term) and it covers mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs (often called “powerchairs”);

The registration process for Class 3 (either new or used) requires the same forms to be filled in as for a new car which is pretty bonkers as well – why we need to add more difficulties to people is beyond me.

Class 3 machines also need lights, reflectors, indicators, a horn, a rear view mirror and a flashing amber light if taken on a dual carriageway. When on the road, you are not allowed to “drive” in bus lanes, mandatory cycle lanes. On the footway, one is limited to 4mph and as the byline states, one is not permitted to use “cycle paths marked cycle only”. They are also subject to normal parking restrictions